May 2010

Market liberalization and maize production in Nigeria

This study examined the impact of market liberalization on maize production in Nigeria. Time series data for a 29-year period (1970 - 1998) were collected. Zellner’s seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) model was used as the estimation technique. Output of maize was found to be more during liberalization. Fertilizer price and hectarage planted to maize were the significant variables affecting maize output....

Author(s): M. A. Badmus

May 2010

Spatial dimension of poverty in rural Nigeria

Poverty is a rural phenomenon in Nigeria. This study investigated poverty profile across geopolitical zones in rural Nigeria, using the 2003/2004 NLSS data. The result of FGT poverty decomposition shows that majority of the poor (84%) live in the rural area. Northwest zone had the highest relative contribution to incidence and depth of national rural poverty (29 and 30%, respectively) while Southwest had the least...

Author(s): Oluwakemi Adeola Obayelu and Taiwo Timothy Awoyemi

May 2010

Analysis of dry season vegetable production in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

The study focused on the costs and returns of small-scale vegetable production in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 150 respondents were interviewed using questionnaire. The production system and socio economic characteristics of the farmers were evaluated. Vegetable production was found to be profitable with a Benefit – Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.64 and the return per capital invested...

Author(s): U. C. Ibekwe and O. M. Adesope